If you're a dog lover, you can appreciate why the police officers working with the New Brunswick RCMP's Police Dog Services enjoy their jobs so much. Not only are dogs loyal companions, eager to please and just fun to be around, these dogs are serious crime fighters. Our canine units are constantly rising to the challenge and surprising even their handlers with their abilities in the field during investigations.
Police Dog Services was a natural draw for me. I grew up on a dairy farm with a German Shepherd that was exactly the same age as me, and she was smart! When I did my training at the RCMP Depot, we had a presentation from a dog handler and I was so enthusiastic, my troop mates started calling me the "Dog Man." I've been working as a dog handler for 18 years now, and it never gets old.
The RCMP's history with police dogs goes back to 1935 when the very first Police Dog Section was formed with three German Shepherds. Within just two years, the value of the program was so obvious that a national training school for dogs and handlers was set up in Calgary, Alberta. In 1940, the very first case was won based on evidence seized during an RCMP police dog search.
The RCMP still only use purebred German Shepherds for general duty, although other breeds are sometimes used for specialized units. We work with German Shepherds because they are versatile, strong and loyal. The breed has become synonymous with police work, which also helps when we are dealing with members of the public or potential suspects.
Here in New Brunswick, the RCMP has seven "K9" teams stationed around the province. Just like our regular members, our police dogs also have to go through a rigorous basic training program. Puppies are generally selected when they are two months old, and begin their formal training around 18 months. They go through an intensive 17 week training program, learning how to detect the scent of people, narcotics, even explosives and firearms, as well as how to respond to their handler's commands. They learn how to track suspects and missing people, and how to do criminal apprehension. Only the best of the best make it through the training – it's estimated only 17 per cent of the dogs that go through the RCMP's training pass to become members of Police Dog Units across the country.
Working with dogs is very rewarding, but it can be frustrating too. Each of the dog handlers works exclusively with one dog while it's in service. Just like people, they have their own personalities, strengths and weaknesses. Some dogs have to be encouraged and persuaded before they get going. Others, like my current dog Tech, would drive themselves to investigation scenes if they could!
A good handler works to take advantage of a dog's individual traits, and when a handler clicks with a dog, the results are incredible. Last year, the New Brunswick RCMP's Police Dog Service responded to more than 600 calls. Our dogs have been instrumental in locating missing persons, especially youth and those who are in medical distress. Often, they have located people we would have had very little chance of finding otherwise. They also help with crowd control, VIP protection, and have even done work with our tactical troops and in hostage situations. Our dogs have a warm and fuzzy side too, and often come with us to community and public events to raise awareness about the important work they do.
On average, our police dogs work in the field for about six or seven years, retiring usually around eight or nine. When a dog is ready for retirement, the handler has the option of keeping it as a pet. If that's not suitable for whatever reason, the dog will be adopted out. It's not just anyone who can adopt a former police dog though, and we work and do rigorous checks to make sure the dog and its new owner are well suited. We love and respect our dogs, and we like to make sure they're well taken care of even after they retire.
Sgt. Michel Litalien
New Brunswick RCMP
Police Dog Services